Procedures for Storing Dental Amalgam Waste and Requirements for Storage/Shipment Containers

ANSI/ADA Standard No. 109 Executive Summary

What is ANSI/ADA Standard No. 109 about?

This standard describes procedures for storing and preparing amalgam waste for delivery for recycling. It also gives requirements for containers for storing and/or shipping amalgam waste. The standard provides best management practices for amalgam waste and questions you need to ask your amalgam waste recycler before shipping your waste to him.

What are the requirements I should know about for storing amalgam waste?

The container for storing amalgam waste shall be silver or gray color or have a silver or gray label. The container shall have a sealable closure. The container shall be marked “Amalgam Waste for Recycling.” The color coding and sealable closure of the container ensure safety. The container must meet federal regulatory requirements.

What's the bottom line?

The dentist consumer should ask whether the amalgam waste storage container meets ANSI/ADA Standard No. 109 requirements and whether the recycler is licensed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and appropriate state agencies.